Textile

GERMANY: Foot Locker gets approval for Runners Point buy
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:14:00 GMT


Sportswear retailer Foot Locker has been given the go-ahead to complete its acquisition of German specialty athletic retailer Runners Point Warenhandelsges (RPG) for EUR72m (US$94.6m).
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Texprocess 2013: Lectra re-sets its focus for the future
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:33:00 GMT


The first clue that Lectra is taking a new approach to meeting the needs of its customers came from the display on its stand at last week's Texprocess technology trade show.
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SPAIN: La Seda de Barcelona files for insolvency
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:57:00 GMT


Spanish polyester fibre producer La Seda de Barcelona has filed for insolvency after failing to reach an agreement with its creditors.
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GLOBAL: Cotton stocks expected to reach record levels
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:51:00 GMT


Global cotton stocks are forecast to rise for the fourth consecutive season and are set to reach an all time high, according to forecasts by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
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Texprocess 2013: What's driving investment in apparel software?
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:37:00 GMT


Efforts to reduce costs, cut lead times and improve quality are all driving investments in supply chain software, according to exhibitors at last week's Texprocess trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany. And not surprisingly, vendors such as Gerber Technology and Human Solutions are focusing their developments on tools to meet these needs as seamlessly as possible.
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Texprocess 2013: Lectra looks to re-set its focus for the future
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:33:00 GMT


The first clue that Lectra is taking a new approach to meeting the needs of its customers came from the display on its stand at last week's Texprocess technology trade show.
Read the full article...

GERMANY: Foot Locker gains approval for Runners Point acquisition
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:14:00 GMT


Sportswear company Foot Locker has received approval from the Federal Cartel Office in Germany to complete its acquisition of specialty athletic retailer Runners Point Warenhandelsges (RPG) for EUR72m (US$94.6m).
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US: Hampshire Group CEO adds chairman title
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:50:00 GMT


Apparel manufacturing group Hampshire Group has appointed president and chief executive officer Paul Buxbaum to the additional post of chairman.
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US: TEXbase adds to compliance solutions
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:43:00 GMT


A compliance solution for regulatory, safety and social responsibility requirements within apparel and footwear products has been introduced by TEXbase.
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UK: Hunter Boot adds to senior management team
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:20:00 GMT


The owner of the iconic Hunter wellington boot brand has announced a series of appointments to its senior team, including former Burberry executive Niall Sloan as global design director.
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CHINA: Columbia Sportswear sets up JV with Swire
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:09:00 GMT


Columbia Sportswear is shifting to a joint venture model in China, through a partnership with distributor Swire Resources.
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UK: Vodafone trials shorts that charge mobile phones
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:08:00 GMT


Telecoms company Vodafone is trialling technology that uses body heat to charge electrical gadgets, like mobile phones or tablets.
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MIDDLE EAST: Cherokee launches in partnership with Max
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:57:00 GMT


Cherokee has launched in the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait through an exclusive deal with the Max retail chain.
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UK: Right-sized garments could boost retailers' sales
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:19:00 GMT


Data collected by virtual fitting room provider Fits.me has shown that clothing retailers could increase sales by up to 25% if they offered garments that accurately fitted consumers' measurements.
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Brands collaborate to improve supply chains
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:10:00 GMT


Despite a seismic shift over the past 15 years in the way apparel factories, brands, and the industry at large deals with labour and sustainability issues, a number of challenging social and environmental issues still remain, according to industry experts speaking at the annual Made-By forum.
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UPDATE: CAMBODIA: Garment workers sacked over strike
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:57:00 GMT


Protests are continuing over the mass sacking in Cambodia of striking workers who make garments for companies including Nike, Lululemon Athletica and Wilson Sports Apparel.
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ITALY: Thermore's latest insulation "light as air"
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:40:00 GMT


Thermal insulation specialist Thermore has launched a new line of thermal padding for ultra-light garments.
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just-style's research roundup
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:43:00 GMT


Featured reports from just-style's research store this week include a look at temperature control fabrics, a profile of outdoor clothing firm Patagonia, and a company briefing on online apparel retailer Asos.
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UK: Shopper footfall down in May
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:18:00 GMT


Value ranges and seasonable promotions were not enough to boost shopper numbers in the UK last month, with both high streets and shopping centres reporting declines.
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IRELAND: Monsoon Accessorize exits court rescue process
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:53:00 GMT


Apparel and accessories retailer Monsoon Accessorize Ireland has excited examinership - a process in Irish law where court protection is obtained to assist the survival of a company - in a move that safeguards 200 jobs.
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UK: Sainsbury's to re-launch its Tu clothing line
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:22:00 GMT


UK supermarket operator Sainsbury's is set to re-launch its Tu clothing range this week as part of efforts to grow its non-food business.
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BANGLADESH: Fast Retailing to open Grameen Uniqlo stores
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:59:00 GMT


Fast Retailing is set to open its first two stores in Bangladesh as part of its tie-up with Grameen Group's Grameen Healthcare Trust, a social enterprise that helps to address issues related to poverty, public sanitation, education, gender issues and the environment.
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BANGLADESH: Tesco stops sourcing at unsafe factory
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:38:00 GMT


UK retail giant Tesco has stopped taking clothing from one of its supplier factories in Bangladesh after a structural survey of the site revealed serious safety issues.
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ITALY: Gucci continues trademark battle against Guess
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:31:00 GMT


Gucci is set to appeal a judgement in its trademark battle against Guess in Italy.
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TURKMENISTAN: Textile industry offers investment potential
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:18:00 GMT


Turkmenistan's growing textile sector may in future provide opportunities for foreign investment through the privatisation of state-owned manufacturing units, a spokesman from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Ashgabat told just-style.
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US: Military stores closer to improving Bangladesh safety
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:13:00 GMT


US lawmakers on Friday (14 June) passed a Department of Defense spending bill that includes a measure requiring that garments made in Bangladesh and sold at stores on US military bases are sourced from factories which comply with new codes on fire and building safety.
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UK: Sainsbury to re-launch its Tu clothing line
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:22:00 GMT


UK supermarket operator Sainsbury's is set to re-launch its Tu clothing range this week as part of efforts to grow its non-food business.
Read the full article...

BANGLADESH: Fast Retailing to open two stores in Bangladesh
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:59:00 GMT


Fast Retailing is set to open its first two Grameen Uniqlo stores in Bangladesh, a social enterprise that helps to address issues related to poverty, public sanitation, education, gender issues and the environment.
Read the full article...

Closed loop clothing continues to make progress
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:58:00 GMT


Closing the loop in the clothing supply chain is continuing to make progress, with more brands beginning to launch products that use recycled fibres.
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JORDAN: Unions agree deal for textile and garment workers
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:16:00 GMT


Textile and garment industry workers in Jordan have reached an agreement with two employer associations that should lead to better working conditions.
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Texprocess 2013: Top seven innovations unveiled
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:27:00 GMT


An app controlled sewing machine, a tool that determines the colour of thread needed to match a fabric, and a simplified bonding process for making stitch-free garments were among key innovation award winners at this year's Texprocess sewn products, sourcing and equipment trade fair in Frankfurt.
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UK: Shoppers stay at home during warmer May
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:17:00 GMT


UK shopper numbers fell in May as many consumers stayed at home to enjoy the warm weather, global information company Experian found.
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GERMANY: Gerry Weber lowers FY guidance as H1 profit dips
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:25:00 GMT


Women's wear retailer Gerry Weber International blamed bad weather for slower sales growth in the company's second quarter, lowering its full-year revenue and earnings estimates as a result.
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Closed loop continues to make progress
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:58:00 GMT


Closing the loop in the clothing supply chain is continuing to make progress, with more brands beginning to launch products that use recycled fibres.
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CAMBODIA: Hundreds of garment workers sacked over strike
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:57:00 GMT


Protests are continuing over the mass sacking in Cambodia of up to 415 striking workers who make garments for companies including Nike, Lululemon Athletica and Wilson Sports Apparel.
Read the full article...

US: Stride Rite sandals recalled on choking hazard
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:01:00 GMT


Footwear retailer Stride Rite has recalled around 7,500 girl's sandals after reports that the metal flower on the shoe can become loose or detached, posing a choking hazard.
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US: New pre-configured PLM retail and apparel
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:14:00 GMT


A new pre-configured PLM solution has been developed to help retail, apparel and footwear companies achieve faster deployment and take advantage of best practices and industry-specific functionality.
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US: Cherokee Q1 profit falls on one-off costs
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:39:00 GMT


Global brand management business Cherokee has seen its first-quarter profit fall by a fifth after one-off costs offset higher revenues.
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just-style's most read stories this week...
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:32:00 GMT


The most-read stories on just-style this week include a report that China's cotton stocks policy may lead to higher prices, a look at whether the tide of social accountability is turning, and an admission that clothing factories in Burma need to be improved.
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US: Developing countries call for renewal of GSP programme
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:32:00 GMT


A group of 15 developing countries able to export certain goods to the US duty-free under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme are calling for the scheme to be renewed.
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US: May retail sales up on "improved confidence"
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:48:00 GMT


US retail sales in May rose 4.8% on last year thanks to "improved consumer confidence and spending", according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
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BANGLADESH: Unions reject "inadequate" labour law changes
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:58:00 GMT


New labour law proposals drawn up by the Bangladeshi government have been rejected by union leaders in the country, who describe them as "inadequate."
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WORLD: Zero Discharge group updates environmental roadmap
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:58:00 GMT


The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Group has launched version two of its Joint Roadmap, aimed at attaining a "new standard of environmental performance for the global apparel and footwear industry".
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US: Grants offered for Bangladesh worker safety
Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:13:00 GMT


The US Department of Labor is offering US$2.5m in grants to projects aimed at enforcing and monitoring fire and safety standards for garment workers in Bangladesh.
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M&S and Al Gore issue rallying cry for sustainability
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:26:00 GMT


Retailer Marks & Spencer issued a rallying cry for sustainability at its Plan A supplier conference today, where former US vice president and environmental activist Al Gore talked about some of the issues he believes the business community needs to address.
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US: Urged to make EU jeans tax a priority in trade talks
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:49:00 GMT


A group of US lawmakers has asked the Obama Administration to fight "unfair" European Union (EU) duties on American-made women's jeans by making the issue a priority in upcoming trade talks.
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INDIA: Eyes key role in reviving Burma apparel factories
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:23:00 GMT


India is hoping to play a key role in re-opening 300 apparel factories in Burma/Myanmar, offering finance, technical assistance, and advice on compliance and best practice.
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US: Zimmerman to lead e-commerce at Shoe Carnival
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:03:00 GMT


Shoe Carnival has named Kent Zimmerman as its new vice president of e-commerce as the value-price footwear and accessories retailer looks to drive online growth.
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US: Sycamore Parners completes $600m Hot Topic buyout
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:52:00 GMT


Private equity firm Sycamore Partners has completed its US$600m buyout of teen apparel retailer Hot Topic.
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UK: Matalan remains cautious despite FY earnings growth
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:45:00 GMT


UK discount fashion and homewares retailer Matalan remains cautious in its outlook despite booking a 10.2% increase in full-year earnings.
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NEW ZEALAND: Hallenstein Glasson forecasts FY profit drop
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:29:00 GMT


New Zealand-based clothing retailer Hallenstein Glasson Holdings said it expects to report a 10% decline in full-year profit, impacted by the late start to winter and margin pressures.
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CANADA: Hudson's Bay Q1 losses narrow on sales growth
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:19:00 GMT


Canadian department store retailer Hudson's Bay has seen its first-quarter losses narrow to CAD80.7m (US$79.4m) for the 13 weeks to 4 May, boosted by strong sales at its namesake stores growth as well as improved gross profit and operating expenses.
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US: Oxford Industries Q1 profit cut by investments
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:45:00 GMT


Apparel group Oxford Industries recorded a cut in first quarter net profit, despite a slight increase in revenues, as the company invested in expanding its flagship brands.
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US: Corporate apparel boosts Men's Wearhouse Q1
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:16:00 GMT


A double-digit hike in corporate apparel sales and a 4.4% rise in retail revenues helped retailer Men's Wearhouse to post a 23% increase in first quarter net profit.
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UK: Mulberry FY profit dips as wholesale suffers
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:33:00 GMT


Luxury business Mulberry Group saw its full-year pre-tax profit slump by more than a quarter thanks to shrinking margins and international investments.
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US: Measure to tap military stores on Bangladesh safety
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:46:00 GMT


US lawmakers are seeking assurances that garments made in Bangladesh and sold at stores on US military bases are sourced from factories that comply with new codes on fire and building safety.
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US: Sustainable Apparel Coalition adds new web tool
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:58:00 GMT


The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), which is working to reduce the environmental and social impacts of global apparel and footwear production, has launched a new interactive tool to help provide greater insight into materials assessment.
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US: PVH Q1 profit surges on new acquisitions
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:08:00 GMT


The Warnaco and Tommy Hilfiger businesses drove a 59% surge in underlying first quarter profit at apparel giant PVH, with revenues up 36% on last year.
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UK: Chilly weather cools Laura Ashley fashion sales
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:01:00 GMT


Retailer Laura Ashley Holdings Plc has seen sales slip in the first 18 weeks of its current financial year as cold weather hurt sales of spring and summer fashions.
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US: Retailers remain cautious on merchandise imports
Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:51:00 GMT


Import cargo volumes at major US retail container ports are expected to rise 1.1% percent in June over the same month last year, reflecting modest growth as retailers head toward the back-to-school and holiday seasons.
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FRANCE: Royer to close plant near Bordeaux
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:36:00 GMT


France's leading footwear wholesaler Groupe Royer, is planning to close its plant near Bordeaux by the end of the year.
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US: Frederick's of Hollywood losses narrow despite declining sales
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:04:00 GMT


US based lingerie company Frederick's of Hollywood saw net losses narrow during the third quarter, despite falling sales and declining margins.
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UK: Asos records another quarter of strong growth
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:56:00 GMT


Online clothing retailer Asos has recorded continued strong growth, driven by good momentum both in the UK and internationally.
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ITALY: Prada posts Q1 growth driven by Asia and retail expansion
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:48:00 GMT


Italian luxury brand Prada saw first quarter profits rise, driven by growth in Asia and in the retail channel.
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UK: Sainsbury's clothing records Q1 sales growth
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:57:00 GMT


UK supermarket operator Sainsbury's said clothing sales grew during the first quarter, despite tough comparatives from the Jubilee and good weather last year.
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UKL Asos records another quarter of strong growth
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:56:00 GMT


Online clothing retailer Asos has recorded continued strong growth, driven by good momentum both in the UK and internationally.
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SPAIN: Inditex profit growth slows during Q1
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:25:00 GMT


Spanish retail group Inditex saw profit growth slow during the first quarter, as cold weather in Europe slowed growth.
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SWEDEN: H&M comparable sales flat in May
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:02:00 GMT


H&M Hennes & Mauritz recorded flat comparable sales during May, as macroeconomic challenges and poor weather in many of the company's major markets dampened growth.
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BANGLADESH: Apparel exports grow despite incidents
Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:50:00 GMT


Political turmoil and deadly industrial accidents have not hampered growth in the Bangladesh apparel sector, with woven garment exports rising more than 14% in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year.
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FRANCE: Armand Thiery to acquire Jacqueline Riu
Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:03:00 GMT


French clothing retailer, Groupe Armand Thiery, is to acquire a 70% stake in high street counterpart Jacqueline Riu, subject to regulatory approval.
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US: Hampshire Group sells Scott James brand to founder
Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT


Hampshire Group has sold the Scott James brand and related assets to the brand's founder Scott Kuhlman.
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US: VF expects revenue to reach $17bn by 2017
Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:17:00 GMT


VF Corp aims to reach US$17bn in revenue by 2017, representing a five-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%.
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In the money: Lululemon still counting luon cost
Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:45:00 GMT


Assessing the true cost of Lululemon's recall of its hugely popular black luon pants back in March could take some time yet.
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US: The Wet Seal names Gilbert as EVP, stores and operations
Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:56:00 GMT


US retailer The Wet Seal has appointed Lesli Gilbert as EVP, stores and operations.
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US: Lululemon CEO to quit after luon issue
Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:08:00 GMT


Lululemon Athletica CEO Christine Day is to quit after the company announced a first quarter US$17.5m write-off linked to the recall of its popular black luon leggings.
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